Wild hogs can exhibit various behaviors that are quite different from Fall to Winter during the Summer months. It’s important to note that hog behavior can be influenced by factors such as environmental conditions, availability of food and water, social dynamics, and human interactions. Here are some behaviors commonly associated with wild hogs during the summer:
Feeding Patterns: In the summer, wild hogs are more active during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late afternoon, due to the heat. They are opportunistic omnivores and will forage for a variety of food, including vegetation, roots, fruits, insects, and small animals. They may cause damage to crops and natural habitats as they search for food.
Water Sources: As temperatures rise, water becomes crucial for wild hogs’ survival. They will seek out water sources like streams, ponds, and mud holes to cool down and stay hydrated. Mud wallowing not only helps them cool off but also serves to protect their skin from parasites and insects.
Shelter and Resting: During the hottest parts of the day, wild hogs tend to seek shelter in dense vegetation or shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight. They may rest in wallows they’ve created or use natural cover.
Social Behavior: Wild hogs are known for their social structure. They usually live in groups called sounders, which consist of adult females and their offspring. Males often lead a solitary or bachelor existence but may join sounders during mating periods. In the summer, sounders can be more scattered as they search for food and water, but they still maintain some level of social interaction.
Mating Season: Depending on the location, wild hogs may have a mating season during the summer. This can lead to increased activity, territorial behavior, and competition among males for mating rights. Mating behavior can sometimes lead to aggression and fights between males.
Aggression and Defense: Wild hogs can be territorial and protective of their young, especially sows with piglets. They might exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel threatened or cornered, and this behavior can be more pronounced during the summer when resources are scarcer.
Travel Patterns: During the summer, wild hogs might roam more widely in search of food and water due to changing resource availability. This could lead them into areas inhabited by humans, potentially causing conflicts.
Human Interaction: Increased human outdoor activities during the summer, such as camping and hiking, can lead to more encounters with wild hogs. It’s important to exercise caution and avoid approaching or feeding them, as they can become habituated to human presence and potentially pose a danger.
Kill them all!